Uncertain times call for a certain purpose

Let’s take a journey back to the days when people would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For most of us, that answer changed over the years as we gathered life experiences. Eventually, our journey led us to the field of dentistry. We all chose the profession of dentistry for different reasons. However, there is one thing that aligns us all and serves as the foundation for the field of dentistry – our passion. Our passion to help those in need, to give back and to love one another. With so much uncertainty surrounding our current situation, there is one thing we should all remember – we are a family and we are in this together.

Don’t ever feel like you are alone. There are many members in our dental family who are going through a similar situation and have the same question you do: What will dentistry look like after the pandemic resolves? There are many answers to that question, as you may have already read elsewhere. However, let’s take a moment to think about what the field of dentistry actually is.

Dentistry is here to help those who have dental concerns and issues, to provide oral health education, to advocate prevention and to bridge the connection between the oral cavity and the entire body by practicing whole personal health care. We perform these actions in various settings, such as in a private dental office, community health center, corporate office or at missions/outreach events. Unfortunately, all of these settings require funding to successfully and effectively carry out our job duties as dentists.

Currently, many of us are experiencing financial stresses as we eagerly try to continue to practice dentistry under the constantly evolving guidelines mandated by U.S. Government and the CDC. Now is the time to trust and unite with your state and national dental associations and know that they have your best interest at heart. Without you, they simply do not exist. The Wisconsin Dental Association and the American Dental Association are part of our dental family. They are here to support us and help address our concerns in any way possible.

Times are tough and life changing decisions are being made. But don’t make those decisions alone – we are all here for one another. With uncertain times comes certain purpose – that purpose is to support each other’s passion for the field of dentistry.